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President Nicolas Maduro said he had signed a decree giving workers long weekends in the hopes of cutting electricity consumption by 20 per cent.

"This plan for 60 days, for two months, will allow the country to get through the most difficult period with the most risk. I call on families, on the youth, to join this plan with discipline, with conscience and extreme collaboration to confront this extreme situation," he said.

Venezuela relies on hydropower for nearly 70 per cent of its electricity, but the country's largest dam has suffered a major fault, leaving water reserves perilously low.

The country's socialist government has blamed the breakdown on a drought and acts of sabotage by political opponents, but experts say it could have been avoided through proper investment and maintenance.

Some Venezuelans have already questioned whether staying at home will have much impact on energy rationing, while others questioned whether the rules would extend to schools and public services.

It marks the second attempt to save energy after Mr Maduro announced a week-long "shutdown" during the Easter holiday period.

In bizarro world of Venezuela socialist Maduro decrees no work days on Fridays to save energy. No way out. Tragic https://t.co/Z3JBMS9fAf